Electrical computers and digital processing systems involving interprogram or interprocess communication regarding amusement devices and games

ABSTRACT

Some embodiments may include interaction among sports books. Various other systems and methods are described.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/152,643 filed Jan. 19, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/687,980 filed Jan. 15, 2010, each of which areincorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows an apparatus for playing a game, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 2 shows an example of multiple wagering venues interacting.

FIG. 3 shows an example method that may be performed in someembodiments.

FIG. 4 shows an example method that may be performed in someembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following sections I-X provide a guide to interpreting the presentapplication.

I. Terms

The term “product” means any machine, manufacture and/or composition ofmatter, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The term “process” means any process, algorithm, method or the like,unless expressly specified otherwise.

Each process (whether called a method, algorithm or otherwise)inherently includes one or more steps, and therefore all references to a“step” or “steps” of a process have an inherent antecedent basis in themere recitation of the term ‘process’ or a like term. Accordingly, anyreference in a claim to a ‘step’ or ‘steps’ of a process has sufficientantecedent basis.

The term “invention” and the like mean “the one or more inventionsdisclosed in this application”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “theembodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “someembodiments”, “certain embodiments”, “one embodiment”, “anotherembodiment” and the like mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments ofthe disclosed invention(s)”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The term “variation” of an invention means an embodiment of theinvention, unless expressly specified otherwise.

A reference to “another embodiment” in describing an embodiment does notimply that the referenced embodiment is mutually exclusive with anotherembodiment (e.g., an embodiment described before the referencedembodiment), unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “including”, “comprising” and variations thereof mean“including but not necessarily limited to”, unless expressly specifiedotherwise. Thus, for example, the sentence “the portfolio includes a redwidget and a blue widget” means the portfolio includes the red widgetand the blue widget, but may include something else.

The term “consisting of” and variations thereof means “including andlimited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. Thus, for example,the sentence “the portfolio consists of a red widget and a blue widget”means the portfolio includes the red widget and the blue widget but doesnot include anything else.

The term “compose” and variations thereof means “to make up theconstituent parts of, component of, or member of”, unless expresslyspecified otherwise. Thus, for example, the sentence “the red widget andthe blue widget compose a portfolio” means the portfolio includes thered widget and the blue widget.

The term “exclusively compose” and variations thereof means “to make upexclusively the constituent parts of”, to be the only components of orto be the only members of”, unless expressly specified otherwise. Thus,for example, the sentence “the red widget and the blue widgetexclusively compose a portfolio” means the portfolio consists of the redwidget and the blue widget, and nothing else.

The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expresslyspecified otherwise.

The term “plurality” means “two or more”, unless expressly specifiedotherwise.

The term “herein” means “in the present application, including anythingwhich may be incorporated by reference”, unless expressly specifiedotherwise.

The phrase “at least one of”, when such phrase modifies a plurality ofthings (such as an enumerated list of things) means any combination ofone or more of those things, unless expressly specified otherwise. Forexample, the phrase “at least one of a widget, a car and a wheel” meanseither (i) a widget, (ii) a car, (iii) a wheel, (iv) a widget and a car,(v) a widget and a wheel, (vi) a car and a wheel, or (vii) a widget, acar and a wheel. The phrase “at least one of”, when such phrase modifiesa plurality of things does not mean “one of” each of the plurality ofthings.

Numerical terms such as “one”, “two”, etc. when used as cardinal numbersto indicate quantity of something (e.g., one widget, two widgets), meanthe quantity indicated by that numerical term, but do not mean at leastthe quantity indicated by that numerical term. For example, the phrase“one widget” does not mean “at least one widget”, and therefore thephrase “one widget” does not cover, e.g., two widgets.

The phrase “based on” does not mean “based only on”, unless expresslyspecified otherwise. In other words, the phrase “based on” describesboth “based only on” and “based at least on”. The phrase “based at leaston” is equivalent to the phrase “based at least in part on”.

The term “represent” and like terms are not exclusive, unless expresslyspecified otherwise. For example, the term “represents” does not mean“represents only”, unless expressly specified otherwise. In other words,the phrase “the data represents a credit card number” describes both“the data represents only a credit card number” and “the data representsa credit card number, and the data also represents something else”.

The term “whereby” is used herein only to precede a clause or other setof words that express only the intended result, objective or consequenceof something that is previously and explicitly recited. Thus, when theterm “whereby” is used in a claim, the clause or other words that theterm “whereby” modifies do not establish specific further limitations ofthe claim or otherwise restricts the meaning or scope of the claim.

The term “e.g.” and like terms mean “for example”, and thus does notlimit the term or phrase it explains. For example, in the sentence “thecomputer sends data (e.g., instructions, a data structure) over theInternet”, the term “e.g.” explains that “instructions” are an exampleof “data” that the computer may send over the Internet, and alsoexplains that “a data structure” is an example of “data” that thecomputer may send over the Internet. However, both “instructions” and “adata structure” are merely examples of “data”, and other things besides“instructions” and “a data structure” can be “data”.

The term “respective” and like terms mean “taken individually”. Thus iftwo or more things have “respective” characteristics, then each suchthing has its own characteristic, and these characteristics can bedifferent from each other but need not be. For example, the phrase “eachof two machines has a respective function” means that the first suchmachine has a function and the second such machine has a function aswell. The function of the first machine may or may not be the same asthe function of the second machine.

The term “i.e.” and like terms mean “that is”, and thus limits the termor phrase it explains. For example, in the sentence “the computer sendsdata (i.e., instructions) over the Internet”, the term “i.e.” explainsthat “instructions” are the “data” that the computer sends over theInternet.

Any given numerical range shall include whole and fractions of numberswithin the range. For example, the range “1 to 10” shall be interpretedto specifically include whole numbers between 1 and 10 (e.g., 1, 2, 3,4, . . . 9) and non-whole numbers (e.g., 1.1, 1.2, . . . 1.9).

Where two or more terms or phrases are synonymous (e.g., because of anexplicit statement that the terms or phrases are synonymous), instancesof one such term/phrase does not mean instances of another suchterm/phrase must have a different meaning. For example, where astatement renders the meaning of “including” to be synonymous with“including but not limited to”, the mere usage of the phrase “includingbut not limited to” does not mean that the term “including” meanssomething other than “including but not limited to”.

II. Determining

The term “determining” and grammatical variants thereof (e.g., todetermine a price, determining a value, determine an object which meetsa certain criterion) is used in an extremely broad sense. The term“determining” encompasses a wide variety of actions and therefore“determining” can include calculating, computing, processing, deriving,investigating, looking up (e.g., looking up in a table, a database oranother data structure), ascertaining and the like. Also, “determining”can include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g.,accessing data in a memory) and the like. Also, “determining” caninclude resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like.

The term “determining” does not imply certainty or absolute precision,and therefore “determining” can include estimating, extrapolating,predicting, guessing and the like.

The term “determining” does not imply that mathematical processing mustbe performed and does not imply that numerical methods must be used anddoes not imply that an algorithm or process is used.

The term “determining” does not imply that any particular device must beused. For example, a computer need not necessarily perform thedetermining.

III. Forms of Sentences

Where a limitation of a first claim would cover one of a feature as wellas more than one of a feature (e.g., a limitation such as “at least onewidget” covers one widget as well as more than one widget), and where ina second claim that depends on the first claim, the second claim uses adefinite article “the” to refer to the limitation (e.g., “the widget”),this does not imply that the first claim covers only one of the feature,and this does not imply that the second claim covers only one of thefeature (e.g., “the widget” can cover both one widget and more than onewidget).

When an ordinal number (such as “first”, “second”, “third” and so on) isused as an adjective before a term, that ordinal number is used (unlessexpressly specified otherwise) merely to indicate a particular feature,such as to distinguish that particular feature from another feature thatis described by the same term or by a similar term. For example, a“first widget” may be so named merely to distinguish it from, e.g., a“second widget”. Thus, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers “first” and“second” before the term “widget” does not indicate any otherrelationship between the two widgets, and likewise does not indicate anyother characteristics of either or both widgets. For example, the mereusage of the ordinal numbers “first” and “second” before the term“widget” (1) does not indicate that either widget comes before or afterany other in order or location; (2) does not indicate that either widgetoccurs or acts before or after any other in time; and (3) does notindicate that either widget ranks above or below any other, as inimportance or quality. In addition, the mere usage of ordinal numbersdoes not define a numerical limit to the features identified with theordinal numbers. For example, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers“first” and “second” before the term “widget” does not indicate thatthere must be no more than two widgets.

When a single device, article or other product is described herein, morethan one device/article (whether or not they cooperate) mayalternatively be used in place of the single device/article that isdescribed. Accordingly, the functionality that is described as beingpossessed by a device may alternatively be possessed by more than onedevice/article (whether or not they cooperate).

Similarly, where more than one device, article or other product isdescribed herein (whether or not they cooperate), a singledevice/article may alternatively be used in place of the more than onedevice or article that is described. For example, a plurality ofcomputer-based devices may be substituted with a single computer-baseddevice. Accordingly, the various functionality that is described asbeing possessed by more than one device or article may alternatively bepossessed by a single device/article.

The functionality and/or the features of a single device that isdescribed may be alternatively embodied by one or more other deviceswhich are described but are not explicitly described as having suchfunctionality/features. Thus, other embodiments need not include thedescribed device itself, but rather can include the one or more otherdevices which would, in those other embodiments, have suchfunctionality/features.

IV. Disclosed Examples and Terminology Are Not Limiting

Neither the Title (set forth at the beginning of the first page of thepresent application) nor the Abstract (set forth at the end of thepresent application) is to be taken as limiting in any way as the scopeof the disclosed invention(s), is to be used in interpreting the meaningof any claim or is to be used in limiting the scope of any claim. AnAbstract has been included in this application merely because anAbstract is required under 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b).

The title of the present application and headings of sections providedin the present application are for convenience only and are not to betaken as limiting the disclosure in any way.

Numerous embodiments are described in the present application and arepresented for illustrative purposes only. The described embodiments arenot, and are not intended to be, limiting in any sense. The presentlydisclosed invention(s) are widely applicable to numerous embodiments, asis readily apparent from the disclosure. One of ordinary skill in theart will recognize that the disclosed invention(s) may be practiced withvarious modifications and alterations, such as structural, logical,software, and electrical modifications. Although particular features ofthe disclosed invention(s) may be described with reference to one ormore particular embodiments and/or drawings, it should be understoodthat such features are not limited to usage in the one or moreparticular embodiments or drawings with reference to which they aredescribed, unless expressly specified otherwise.

Though an embodiment may be disclosed as including several features,other embodiments of the invention may include fewer than all suchfeatures. Thus, for example, a claim may be directed to less than theentire set of features in a disclosed embodiment, and such claim wouldnot include features beyond those features that the claim expresslyrecites.

No embodiment of method steps or product elements described in thepresent application constitutes the invention claimed herein, or isessential to the invention claimed herein, or is coextensive with theinvention claimed herein, except where it is either expressly stated tobe so in this specification or expressly recited in a claim.

The preambles of the claims that follow recite purposes, benefits andpossible uses of the claimed invention only and do not limit the claimedinvention.

The present disclosure is not a literal description of all embodimentsof the invention(s). Also, the present disclosure is not a listing offeatures of the invention(s) which must be present in all embodiments.

All disclosed embodiments are not necessarily covered by the claims(even including all pending, amended, issued and canceled claims). Inaddition, an embodiment may be (but need not necessarily be) covered byseveral claims. Accordingly, where a claim (regardless of whetherpending, amended, issued or canceled) is directed to a particularembodiment, such is not evidence that the scope of other claims do notalso cover that embodiment.

Devices that are described as in communication with each other need notbe in continuous communication with each other, unless expresslyspecified otherwise. On the contrary, such devices need only transmit toeach other as necessary or desirable and may actually refrain fromexchanging data most of the time. For example, a machine incommunication with another machine via the Internet may not transmitdata to the other machine for long period of time (e.g. weeks at atime). In addition, devices that are in communication with each othermay communicate directly or indirectly through one or moreintermediaries.

A description of an embodiment with several components or features doesnot imply that all or even any of such components/features are required.On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described toillustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the presentinvention(s). Unless otherwise specified explicitly, nocomponent/feature is essential or required.

Although process steps, algorithms or the like may be described orclaimed in a particular sequential order, such processes may beconfigured to work in different orders. In other words, any sequence ororder of steps that may be explicitly described or claimed does notnecessarily indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in thatorder. The steps of processes described herein may be performed in anyorder possible. Further, some steps may be performed simultaneouslydespite being described or implied as occurring non-simultaneously(e.g., because one step is described after the other step). Moreover,the illustration of a process by its depiction in a drawing does notimply that the illustrated process is exclusive of other variations andmodifications thereto, does not imply that the illustrated process orany of its steps are necessary to the invention(s), and does not implythat the illustrated process is preferred.

Although a process may be described as including a plurality of steps,that does not imply that all or any of the steps are preferred,essential or required. Various other embodiments within the scope of thedescribed invention(s) include other processes that omit some or all ofthe described steps. Unless otherwise specified explicitly, no step isessential or required.

Although a process may be described singly or without reference to otherproducts or methods, in an embodiment the process may interact withother products or methods. For example, such interaction may includelinking one business model to another business model. Such interactionmay be provided to enhance the flexibility or desirability of theprocess.

Although a product may be described as including a plurality ofcomponents, aspects, qualities, characteristics and/or features, thatdoes not indicate that any or all of the plurality are preferred,essential or required. Various other embodiments within the scope of thedescribed invention(s) include other products that omit some or all ofthe described plurality.

An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does notimply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unlessexpressly specified otherwise. Likewise, an enumerated list of items(which may or may not be numbered) does not imply that any or all of theitems are comprehensive of any category, unless expressly specifiedotherwise. For example, the enumerated list “a computer, a laptop, aPDA” does not imply that any or all of the three items of that list aremutually exclusive and does not imply that any or all of the three itemsof that list are comprehensive of any category.

An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does notimply that any or all of the items are equivalent to each other orreadily substituted for each other.

All embodiments are illustrative, and do not imply that the invention orany embodiments were made or performed, as the case may be.

V. Computing

It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that thevarious processes described herein may be implemented by, e.g.,appropriately programmed general purpose computers, special purposecomputers and computing devices. Typically a processor (e.g., one ormore microprocessors, one or more microcontrollers, one or more digitalsignal processors) will receive instructions (e.g., from a memory orlike device), and execute those instructions, thereby performing one ormore processes defined by those instructions. Instructions may beembodied in, e.g., one or more computer programs, one or more scripts.

A “processor” means one or more microprocessors, central processingunits (CPUs), computing devices, microcontrollers, digital signalprocessors, or like devices or any combination thereof, regardless ofthe architecture (e.g., chip-level multiprocessing/multi-core, RISC,CISC, Microprocessor without Interlocked Pipeline Stages, pipeliningconfiguration, simultaneous multithreading).

Thus a description of a process is likewise a description of anapparatus for performing the process. The apparatus that performs theprocess can include, e.g., a processor and those input devices andoutput devices that are appropriate to perform the process.

Further, programs that implement such methods (as well as other types ofdata) may be stored and transmitted using a variety of media (e.g.,computer readable media) in a number of manners. In some embodiments,hard-wired circuitry or custom hardware may be used in place of, or incombination with, some or all of the software instructions that canimplement the processes of various embodiments. Thus, variouscombinations of hardware and software may be used instead of softwareonly.

The term “computer-readable medium” refers to any medium, a plurality ofthe same, or a combination of different media, that participate inproviding data (e.g., instructions, data structures) which may be readby a computer, a processor or a like device. Such a medium may take manyforms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media,and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example, opticalor magnetic disks and other persistent memory. Volatile media includedynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes themain memory. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire andfiber optics, including the wires that comprise a system bus coupled tothe processor. Transmission media may include or convey acoustic waves,light waves and electromagnetic emissions, such as those generatedduring radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications.Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppydisk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magneticmedium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, papertape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM,an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrierwave as described hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computercan read.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carryingdata (e.g. sequences of instructions) to a processor. For example, datamay be (i) delivered from RAM to a processor; (ii) carried over awireless transmission medium; (iii) formatted and/or transmittedaccording to numerous formats, standards or protocols, such as Ethernet(or IEEE 802.3), SAP, ATP, Bluetooth®, and TCP/IP, TDMA, CDMA, and 3G;and/or (iv) encrypted to ensure privacy or prevent fraud in any of avariety of ways well known in the art.

Thus a description of a process is likewise a description of acomputer-readable medium storing a program for performing the process.The computer-readable medium can store (in any appropriate format) thoseprogram elements which are appropriate to perform the method.

Just as the description of various steps in a process does not indicatethat all the described steps are required, embodiments of an apparatusinclude a computer/computing device operable to perform some (but notnecessarily all) of the described process.

Likewise, just as the description of various steps in a process does notindicate that all the described steps are required, embodiments of acomputer-readable medium storing a program or data structure include acomputer-readable medium storing a program that, when executed, cancause a processor to perform some (but not necessarily all) of thedescribed process.

Where databases are described, it will be understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art that (i) alternative database structures to thosedescribed may be readily employed, and (ii) other memory structuresbesides databases may be readily employed. Any illustrations ordescriptions of any sample databases presented herein are illustrativearrangements for stored representations of information. Any number ofother arrangements may be employed besides those suggested by, e.g.,tables illustrated in drawings or elsewhere. Similarly, any illustratedentries of the databases represent exemplary information only; one ofordinary skill in the art will understand that the number and content ofthe entries can be different from those described herein. Further,despite any depiction of the databases as tables, other formats(including relational databases, object-based models and/or distributeddatabases) could be used to store and manipulate the data typesdescribed herein. Likewise, object methods or behaviors of a databasecan be used to implement various processes, such as the describedherein. In addition, the databases may, in a known manner, be storedlocally or remotely from a device which accesses data in such adatabase.

Various embodiments can be configured to work in a network environmentincluding a computer that is in communication (e.g., via acommunications network) with one or more devices. The computer maycommunicate with the devices directly or indirectly, via any wired orwireless medium (e.g. the Internet, LAN, WAN or Ethernet, Token Ring, atelephone line, a cable line, a radio channel, an optical communicationsline, commercial on-line service providers, bulletin board systems, asatellite communications link, a combination of any of the above). Eachof the devices may themselves comprise computers or other computingdevices, such as those based on the Intel® Pentium® or Centrino™processor, that are adapted to communicate with the computer. Any numberand type of devices may be in communication with the computer.

In an embodiment, a server computer or centralized authority may not benecessary or desirable. For example, the present invention may, in anembodiment, be practiced on one or more devices without a centralauthority. In such an embodiment, any functions described herein asperformed by the server computer or data described as stored on theserver computer may instead be performed by or stored on one or moresuch devices.

Where a process is described, in an embodiment the process may operatewithout any user intervention. In another embodiment, the processincludes some human intervention (e.g., a step is performed by or withthe assistance of a human).

VI. Continuing Applications

The present disclosure provides, to one of ordinary skill in the art, anenabling description of several embodiments and/or inventions. Some ofthese embodiments and/or inventions may not be claimed in the presentapplication but may nevertheless be claimed in one or more continuingapplications that claim the benefit of priority of the presentapplication.

Applicants intend to file additional applications to pursue patents forsubject matter that has been disclosed and enabled but not claimed inthe present application.

VII. 35 U.S.C. § 112, Paragraph 6

In a claim, a limitation of the claim which includes the phrase “meansfor” or the phrase “step for” means that 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6,applies to that limitation.

In a claim, a limitation of the claim which does not include the phrase“means for” or the phrase “step for” means that 35 U.S.C. § 112,paragraph 6 does not apply to that limitation, regardless of whetherthat limitation recites a function without recitation of structure,material or acts for performing that function. For example, in a claim,the mere use of the phrase “step of” or the phrase “steps of” inreferring to one or more steps of the claim or of another claim does notmean that 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6, applies to that step(s).

With respect to a means or a step for performing a specified function inaccordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6, the correspondingstructure, material or acts described in the specification, andequivalents thereof, may perform additional functions as well as thespecified function.

Computers, processors, computing devices and like products arestructures that can perform a wide variety of functions. Such productscan be operable to perform a specified function by executing one or moreprograms, such as a program stored in a memory device of that product orin a memory device which that product accesses. Unless expresslyspecified otherwise, such a program need not be based on any particularalgorithm, such as any particular algorithm that might be disclosed inthe present application. It is well known to one of ordinary skill inthe art that a specified function may be implemented via differentalgorithms, and any of a number of different algorithms would be a meredesign choice for carrying out the specified function.

Therefore, with respect to a means or a step for performing a specifiedfunction in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6, structurecorresponding to a specified function includes any product programmed toperform the specified function. Such structure includes programmedproducts which perform the function, regardless of whether such productis programmed with (i) a disclosed algorithm for performing thefunction, (ii) an algorithm that is similar to a disclosed algorithm, or(iii) a different algorithm for performing the function.

Where there is recited a means for performing a function that is amethod, one structure for performing this method includes a computingdevice (e.g., a general purpose computer) that is programmed and/orconfigured with appropriate hardware to perform that function.

Also included is a computing device (e.g., a general purpose computer)that is programmed and/or configured with appropriate hardware toperform that function via other algorithms as would be understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art.

VIII. Disclaimer

Numerous references to a particular embodiment do not indicate adisclaimer or disavowal of additional, different embodiments, andsimilarly references to the description of embodiments which all includea particular feature do not indicate a disclaimer or disavowal ofembodiments which do not include that particular feature. A cleardisclaimer or disavowal in the present application shall be prefaced bythe phrase “does not include” or by the phrase “cannot perform”.

IX. Incorporation By Reference

Any patent, patent application or other document referred to herein isincorporated by reference into this patent application as part of thepresent disclosure, but only for purposes of written description andenablement in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 1, and shouldin no way be used to limit, define, or otherwise construe any term ofthe present application, unless without such incorporation by reference,no ordinary meaning would have been ascertainable by a person ofordinary skill in the art. Such person of ordinary skill in the art neednot have been in any way limited by any embodiments provided in thereference.

Any incorporation by reference does not, in and of itself, imply anyendorsement of, ratification of, or acquiescence in any statements,opinions, arguments or characterizations contained in any incorporatedpatent, patent application or other document, unless explicitlyspecified otherwise in this patent application.

X. Prosecution History

In interpreting the present application (which includes the claims), oneof ordinary skill in the art shall refer to the prosecution history ofthe present application, but not to the prosecution history of any otherpatent or patent application, regardless of whether there are otherpatent applications that are considered related to the presentapplication, and regardless of whether there are other patentapplications that share a claim of priority with the presentapplication.

XI. Cards

Playing cards have been in existence for many years. Although there aremany types of playing cards that are played in many different types ofgames, the most common type of playing cards consists of 52 cards,divided out into four different suits (namely Spades, Hearts, Diamondsand Clubs) which are printed or indicated on one side or on the face ofeach card. In the standard deck, each of the four suits of cardsconsists of 13 cards, numbered either two through ten, or lettered A(Ace), K (King), Q (Queen), or J (Jack), which is also printed orindicated on the face of each card. Each card will thus contain on itsface a suit indication along with a number or letter indication. TheKing, Queen, and Jack usually also include some sort of design on theface of the card and may be referred to as picture cards. Other types ofplaying cards are described herein, but it should be recognized thatvarious topics may apply to any, some, and/or all type of playing cards.

In some cases, the 52 card standard playing deck also contains a numberof extra cards, sometimes referred to as jokers, that may have some useor meaning depending on the particular game being played with the deck.For example, if a card game includes the jokers, then if a playerreceives a joker in his “hand” he may use it as any card in the deck. Ifthe player has the ten, jack, queen and king of Spades, along with ajoker, the player would use the joker as an Ace of Spades. The playerwill then have a Royal Flush (ten through Ace of Spades).

Many different games can be played using a standard deck of playingcards. The game being played with the standard deck of cards may includeother items, such as game boards, chips, etc., or the game being playedmay only need the playing card deck itself. In most of the games playedusing a standard deck of cards, a value is assigned to each card. Thevalue may differ for different games.

Usually, the card value begins with the number two card as the lowestvalue and increases as the numbers increase through ten, followed inorder of increasing value with the Jack, Queen, King and Ace. In somegames the Ace may have a lower value than the two, and in games where aparticular card is determined to be wild, or have any value, that cardmay have the greatest value of all. For example, in card games wheredeuces, or twos, are wild, the player holding a playing card containinga two can use that two as any other card, such that a nine and a twowould be the equivalent of two nines.

Further, the four different suits indicated on the cards may have aparticular value depending on the game. Under game rules where one suit,i.e., Spades, has more value than another suit, i.e., Hearts, the sevenof Spades may have more value than the seven of Hearts.

It is easy to visualize that using the different card quantity and suitvalues, many different games can be played. In certain games, it is thecombination of cards that one player obtains that determines whether ornot that player has defeated the other player or players. Usually, themore difficult the combination is to obtain, the more value thecombination has, and the player who obtains the more difficultcombination (also taking into account the value of the cards) wins thegame.

For instance in the game of Poker, each player may ultimately receivefive cards. The player who obtains three cards having similar numbers ontheir face, i.e., the four of Hearts, four of Diamonds and four ofClubs, will defeat the player having only two cards with the samenumerical value, i.e., the King of Spades and the King of Hearts.However, the player with five cards that all contain Clubs, commonlyknown as a flush, will defeat the player with the same three of a kinddescribed above.

In many instances, a standard deck of playing cards is used to creategaming machines. In these gaming machines players insert coins and playcertain card games, such as poker, using an imitation of standardplaying cards on a video screen, in an attempt to win back more moneythan they originally inserted into the machine.

Another form of gambling using playing cards utilizes tables, otherwiseknown as table games. A table uses a table and a dealer, with theplayers sitting or standing around the table. The players place theirbets on the table and the dealer deals the cards to each player. Thenumber of cards dealt, or whether the cards are dealt face up or facedown, will depend on the particular table game being played.

Further, an imitation or depiction of a standard playing card is used inmany handheld electronic games, such as poker and blackjack, and in manycomputer games and Internet games. Using a handheld electronic game or acomputer terminal that may or may not be connected to the Internet, aplayer receives the imitation playing cards and plays a card game eitheragainst the computer or against other players. Further, many of thesegames can be played on the computer in combination with gambling.

Also, there are many game shows that are broadcasted on television thatuse a deck of playing cards in the game play, in which the cards areusually enlarged or shown on a video screen or monitor for easy viewing.In these television game shows, the participants play the card game forprizes or money, usually against each other, with an individual actingas a host overseeing the action.

Also, there are lottery tickets that players purchase and play by“scratching off” an opaque layer to see if they have won money andprizes. The opaque layer prevents the player from knowing the results ofthe lottery ticket prior to purchasing and scratching off the layer. Insome of these lottery tickets, playing cards are used under the opaquelayer and the player may need to match a number of similar cards inorder to win the prizes or money.

XII. Casino Countermeasures

Some methods of thwarting card counters include using a large number ofdecks. Shoes containing 6 or 8 decks are common. The more cards thereare, the less variation there is in the proportions of the remainingcards and the harder it is to count them. The player's advantage canalso be reduced by shuffling the cards more frequently, but this reducesthe amount of time that can be devoting to actual play and thereforereduces the casino profits. Some casinos now use shuffling machines,some of which shuffle one set of cards while another is in play, whileothers continuously shuffle the cards. The distractions of the gamingfloor environment and complimentary alcoholic beverages also act tothwart card counters. Some methods of thwarting card counters includeusing varied payoff structures, such Blackjack payoff of 6:5, which ismore disadvantageous to the player than the standard 3:2 Blackjackpayoff.

XIII. Video Wagering Games

Video wagering games are set up to mimic a table game using adaptationsof table games rules and cards.

In one version of video poker the player is allowed to inspect fivecards randomly chosen by the computer. These cards are displayed on thevideo screen and the player chooses which cards, if any, that he or shewishes to hold. If the player wishes to hold all of the cards, i.e.,stand, he or she presses a STAND button. If the player wishes to holdonly some of the cards, he or she chooses the cards to be held bypressing HOLD keys located directly under each card displayed on thevideo screen. Pushing a DEAL button after choosing the HOLD cardsautomatically and simultaneously replaces the unchosen cards withadditional cards which are randomly selected from the remainder of thedeck. After the STAND button is pushed, or the cards are replaced, thefinal holding is evaluated by the game machine's computer and the playeris awarded either play credits or a coin payout as determined from apayoff table. This payoff table is stored in the machine's computermemory and is also displayed on the machine's screen. Hands with higherpoker values are awarded more credits or coins. Very rare poker handsare awarded payoffs of 800-to-1 or higher.

XIV. Apparatus for Playing Over a Communications System

FIG. 1 shows apparatus for playing the game. There is a plurality ofplayer units 40-1 to 40-n which are coupled via a communication system41, such as the Internet, with a game playing system comprising anadministration unit 42, a player register 43, and a game unit 45. Eachunit 40 is typically a personal computer with a display unit and controlmeans (a keyboard and a mouse).

When a player logs on to the game playing system, their unit 40identifies itself to the administration unit. The system holds thedetails of the players in the register 43, which contains separateplayer register units 44-1 to 44-n for all the potential players, i.e.,for all the members of the system.

Once the player has been identified, the player is assigned to a gameunit 45. The game unit contains a set of player data units 46-1 to 46-6,a dealer unit 47, a control unit 48, and a random dealing unit 49.

Up to seven players can be assigned to the game unit 45. There can beseveral such units, as indicated, so that several games can be played atthe same time if there are more than seven members of the system loggedon at the same time. The assignment of a player unit 40 to a player dataunit 46 may be arbitrary or random, depending on which player data units46 and game units 45 are free. Each player data unit 46 is loaded fromthe corresponding player register unit 44 and also contains essentiallythe same details as the corresponding player unit 40 and is incommunication with the player unit 40 to keep the contents of the playerunit and player data unit updated with each other. In addition, theappropriate parts of the contents of the other player data units 46 andthe dealer unit 47 are passed to the player unit 40 for display.

The logic unit 48 of the game unit 45 steps the game unit through thevarious stages of the play, initiating the dealer actions and awaitingthe appropriate responses from the player units 40. The random dealingunit 49 deals cards essentially randomly to the dealer unit 47 and theplayer data units 46. At the end of the hand, the logic unit passes theresults of the hand, i.e., the wins and/or losses, to the player dataunits 46 to inform the players of their results. The administrative unit42 also takes those results and updates the player register units 44accordingly.

The player units 40 are arranged to show a display. To identify theplayer, the player's position is highlighted. As play proceeds, so theplayer selects the various boxes, enters bets in them, and so on, andthe results of those actions are displayed. As the cards are dealt, aseries of overlapping card symbols is shown in the Bonus box. At theoption of the player, the cards can be shown in a line below the box,and similarly for the card dealt to the dealer. At the end of the hand,a message is displayed informing the player of the results of theirbets, i.e., the amounts won or lost.

XV. Alternative Technologies

It will be understood that the technologies described herein for making,using, or practicing various embodiments are but a subset of thepossible technologies that may be used for the same or similar purposes.The particular technologies described herein are not to be construed aslimiting. Rather, various embodiments contemplate alternate technologiesfor making, using, or practicing various embodiments.

XVI. References

The following patents and patent applications are hereby incorporated byreference herein for all purposes: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,579,181, 6,299,536,6,093,103, 5,941,769, 7,114,718, U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/622,321, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,515,367, 5,000,453, 7,137,630, and7,137,629.

XVII. Example Embodiments

Some gambling systems enable users to bet on the outcome of a game,e.g., which team will win, and/or by how much. Gaming operators try todetermine accurate probabilities for each game outcome (e.g., win, loss,and point spread) so that they can offer competitive odds to potentialbettors who may bet on each outcome. The probabilities (and odds) aretypically determined prior to the start of the game based on informationexisting prior to the game, such as historical data related to eachteam, player, and coaching staff, ratings and opinions of professionalssuch as sportswriters and other coaches, and other public andproprietary information related to the game. For instance, some gamingoperators use complicated proprietary computer algorithms to determineodds based on pre-existing statistical information and otherinformation. The odds may change during a betting period as bettorswager on one side or another of an outcome (e.g., if many people wagerthat team A will win and few people wager that team B will win, the oddsmay become less favorable for a wager that team A will win).

In effect, odds are a gaming operator's “price” to bettors for wageringon a specific outcome (wherein higher odds translate to a lower pricefor the bettor). When there are a plurality of gaming operators offeringodds on a particular outcome to a plurality of bettors, the gamingoperators compete with one another to offer a competitive price thatwill attract bettors who seek the highest payout for their bettingdollar. Thus, gaming operators may determine odds based in part on theodds offered by competing gaming operators. Betting behavior can alsoaffect odds. For instance, a high demand for bets that the Chicago Cubswill win their next game against the Phillies may drive up the effectiveprice for that bet. Accordingly, as in other competitive marketplaces,odds determinations often reflect a “market price” for each gameoutcome, as gaming operators adjust their odds based on the market. Theeffective market price can change over time as the betting marketchanges and new relevant information is disclosed, such as an injury ofa key Cubs pitcher a day before the game. Notably, amounts wagered bylosers on one side of the bet can be used to fund the payout to winnerson the other side of the bet. Thus, in large betting markets where thereare many bettors on each side of a bet, gaming operators may adjusttheir odds in an effort to balance the potential payouts on either sideof the bet.

However, odds determinations often do not reflect a consensus “marketprice,” e.g., when there are a limited number of market participants orthere is insufficient time for the market to assimilate new relevantinformation into a stable market price. For example, some gamingoperators allow users to bet on performance parameters within a game,such as whether a particular player will strike out in a particularat-bat in a baseball game. The betting market is typically openedmanually immediately prior to the in-game event, and the odds are oftendetermined manually “on the fly.” Even if another gaming operatoroffered a similar bet, the quick timing of such a bet may prevent gamingoperators and bettors from comparing the different odds offered. Inthese circumstances, the gaming operator may attempt to offer oddswithout the benefit of a competitive betting market based entirely onthe operator's best assessment of the probabilities of the variousoutcomes.

It may take time and labor to identify a potential in-game bettingmarket (e.g., a market for betting on the outcome of a specific at-bat),determine accurate probabilities and odds for each outcome, offer theodds to bettors, take bets, determine an outcome, and then pay thewinners. Because some systems require many of these actions to beperformed manually “on the fly,” limited manpower may effectively limitsthe number and extent of in-game wager opportunities a gaming operatorcan offer. Bets on an in-game event often require a calculation ofprobabilities and odds in a very short time frame. It can be moredifficult to calculate an accurate probability of an in-game outcomewhen new relevant information becomes available during the game, such asan injury to a quarterback. Inaccurate odds can lead to unnecessarilyhigh prices (and therefore fewer bettors) or unnecessarily low prices(which translates to unnecessarily high payouts to winners).

According to various embodiments of the present invention, a system mayenable users to bet on in-game events, such as whether a particularbaseball player strikes out in a particular at-bat, and/or moretraditional game outcomes, such as which team will win and/or by howmuch. The system may automatically receive general game information(e.g., team names, player rosters, start time, etc.) from a data feed orother source. From the same data source (or another source), the systemmay also automatically receive a stream of real-time game information,such as elapsed time, batting line-up, runs scored, errors on a play,pitch information (strike, ball, foul), etc.

Odds for each event, such as a strike-out, may be calculated based on anodds database and algorithm stored on the system. The algorithm may useinformation from the real sport (such as a player's batting average) andmay be updated based on in-game events. (E.g., if Barry Bonds strikesout four times with the same pitcher, his odds of getting a hit off thatpitcher may decrease).

As soon as a specific gambling event is completed (e.g., as soon asBarry Bonds finishes his at-bat by striking out or hitting a home run),the system settles the bets placed on that betting event. At the sametime (or another time), the system may open the betting for anotherevent (e.g., the next at-bat). In one embodiment, a human operatorclears the bets after each event. For example, the human gaming agentmay select “strike out” immediately after Barry Bonds strikes out. Thisoperation may cause the system to immediately settle all the bets on thepresent Barry Bonds at-bat and also open bets for the next betting event(e.g., the outcome of the next batter's at-bat). In other embodiments,the system may use automated information (e.g., a data feed) todetermine event outcomes (like a strike-out) in real time. In someembodiments, human gaming agents may assist with error correction toensure that the system identifies correct outcomes and resolves all betsproperly.

Users may place bets and otherwise interact with the system and otherusers via an interface such as a gaming table or mobile touch-screengaming device, which may be configured to display a live TV feed of anevent such as a baseball game with an optional touch-sensitive bettinginterface overlay. In one embodiment, when Barry Bonds steps up to theplate, a user may touch the image of Barry Bonds (or other image oricon) to trigger the betting interface overlay that enables the user toselect and place a specific bet concerning Barry's at-bat. To bet thatBarry will get a single, the user may touch an image of first base (orprovide another appropriate input).

Various embodiments of the system may enable gambling on many differenttypes of outcomes within a single game or other event, such as whether aparticular runner steals a particular base, the number of runs scored inan inning, whether a pitcher throws a ball or strike on a given pitch,etc. The system may open and close each betting event based on the startand finish time of that particular event. The system can also be appliedto a variety of sports as well as other events, such as elections (e.g.,whether Barack Obama will win New Hampshire in the upcoming 2008presidential election). It should be appreciated that variousembodiments of the invention may manage many different betting marketsat simultaneous or overlapping times. Each betting market may be opened,closed, and resolved based on the terms of that specific betting market,independently of other betting markets.

It should be recognized that various embodiments may include any type ofwager, such as, for example, in-game wagers on sports or other events,wagers on outcomes of games or other events, and so on. It should berecognized that various embodiments may include any systems and/ormethods for determining initial and/or future odds for any wager, suchas, for example, an exchanged based system, a wager line set by a sportsbook algorithm and/or employee, and so on. It should be recognized thatvarious embodiments may include any system and/or method for placingand/or managing wagers, such as, for example, a centralized computersystem, a distributed computer system, one or more servers, one or moreclient computers, an in person system, a ticket system, a mobile system,and so on. Some examples of wager types, systems and methods fordetermining odds, and systems and methods for placing and managingwagers are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/258,297 toStorm and entitled Wager Market Creation and Management, which is herebyincorporated herein by reference.

Some embodiments may include wagers at a sports book or other venue forplacing wagers on one or more competitions. Some example competitions onwhich a wager may be placed at a sports book may include auto racing,baseball, basketball, boxing, football, golf, hockey, and horse racing.Each competition type may have a different set of odds associatedtherewith.

In auto racing for example a sports book may list some number ofindividual drivers and/or a field (all other) option. Each individualdriver and/or the field may be associated with some odds for each typeof bet. For example, Jeff Gordon may be listed at 4-1, Jeff Burton at15-1, Casey Atwood at 100-1, etc. If you bet $10 on Burton 15-1 and hegoes on to win the race, you win $150 plus your $10 back, for a totalpayoff of $160. Matchup wagers may be available in which two or moredrivers are paired against each other in a head-to-head wager. Odds forsuch a wager may also be provided. For example, a matchup may pit DaleJarrett (minus 145) against Bobby Labonte (plus 125). If you bet $145 onthe favored Jarrett, the payoff would be $100 plus your $145 back, for atotal of $245. If you bet $100 on the underdog Labonte, the payoff wouldbe $125 plus your $100 back, for a total of $225. Various other wagersmay also be available such as, for example, an over/under on a number ofcautions in a race, a car manufacturer that will win the race, in-gamewagers, and so on.

In baseball for example, a sports book may list each team matchup withan odds associated with each team of each matchup. If a team on which awager is placed wins a matchup, the payout to the winner may varyaccording to the odds. In some embodiments, baseball odds are shownusing a money line.

In a money line, odds may be based on some dollar value (e.g., $1). In amoney line, A “minus” preceding a number indicates the team is afavorite. A “plus” preceding a number indicates the team is an underdog.For example, if the Braves' odds are −120, this may mean that a $12 betwould win $10, for a return of $22. As another example, if the Dodgers'odds are +110, this may mean that a $10 bet would win $11, for a returnof $21. Various types of money lines exist, such as dime lines and20-cent lines and may be used in various embodiments. Some embodimentsmay not list a price for an underdog in a matchup but may instead use ahouse line for underdogs. Some embodiments may include various otherwagers, such as, for example, an over under on a total runs scored, arun line, a parlay in which a bettor may select multiple teams to win,in-game wagers, and so on.

Money lines may change as wagering proceeds. In some embodiments, anodds determined by the money line at the time of a wager may be the oddsused to payout a wager at the end of a wager. In some embodiments, themoney line at the end of a wagering period may be used to determine theodds of wager even if the money line was different when the wager wasplaced.

In basketball, for example, a sports book may operate similar tobaseball. In some embodiments, a point spread may be used so that a beton a team to win will win only if the team wins by the point spread. Insome embodiments, the odds may be the same for all wagers, but the pointspread may be changed. For example, a point spread may increase as morebettors wager on a team to win, similar to a change in the oddsdiscussed above with respect to baseball. Some embodiments may allow“teasing” of a point spread (i.e., changing the point spread) inexchange for a change to the odds. Various other wagers may be includedin some embodiments, such as parlays, over under on point totals, ingame wagers, and so on.

In boxing, for example, a sports book may operate a money line similarto a baseball money line described above. In hockey and football, forexample, a sports book may operate a money line similar to a basketballmoney line described above.

In golf, for example, a sports book may operate a wagering method and/orsystem similar to auto racing described above. For example, a sportsbook may list a number of individual golfers and a field. Each optionmay be associated with an odds for each type of bet (e.g., to win atournament). For example, Tiger Woods may be listed at 2-1, Tom Lehmanat 25-1, Bob May at 100-1, etc. If you bet $10 on Lehman at 25-1 and hegoes on to win the tournament, you win $250 plus your $10 back, for atotal payoff of $260. A sports book may also include matchuppropositions between two or more golfers. In some embodiments, onegolfer may be matched against two or more golfers in such a proposition.Various other wagers may be included in some embodiments, such as overunder on the winning score, over under on the lowest round by anygolfer, over under on a finishing position of a golfer, in-game wagers,and so on.

In horse racing, for example, a sports book may provide a wide array ofbetting options. For example, a win, place, show, across the board,exacta, quinella, trifecta, superfecta, daily double, pick six, and soon wagering options may be available as well as any in-game wagers. Eachwager option may be associated with a money line such as those describedabove or other type of odds system.

As discussed above, some embodiments may include various events orpropositions that may be wagered upon, such as outcomes of an election,winnings of an award, and so on. Some embodiments may include wagers onan outcome of a season of a game, a season of a television show (e.g.,Survivor), and so on. Some embodiments may include wagers on othercasino games (e.g., craps, blackjack, slots, poker). Such bets mayinclude bets on individual games, bets on other people, bets onstatistics of the games, bets on tournaments of such games, and so on.It should be recognized that the examples of various wager types andodds types are given as non-limiting examples only and that variousembodiments may include any desired wager types and/or odds types.

In some embodiments, multiple sports books may offer a same or similarwager proposition (e.g., that the Bears will win a particular footballgame). For example, in Las Vegas and many other jurisdictions in whichgambling is legal, many casinos operate their own sports books. At eachone of these sports books, bettors may wager on a same or similarproposition.

Some sports books may compete for customers in a market by adjustingodds of propositions. Some sports books may have odds that are differentfrom other sports books because more fans of one team than anotherhappen to go to that sports book and place similar wagers therebychanging the odds of those wagers. Some embodiments may allow one ormore sports books to communicate regarding odds. For example, suchcommunication may allow sports books to establish a consensus odds for adesired market. Some embodiments may allow one or more sports books totrade responsibility for one or more wagers. For example, such abilitymay allow a sports book to adjust a number of wagers on a side of aproposition to reach a desired balance.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of multiple sports books 201 interactingthrough a central system 203. Central system 203 may include one or morecomputing devices configured to execute one or more sets of instructionsto perform one or more methods. Interaction through the central systemmay allow one or more of the sports books to establish a consensus oddsfor a wager offered at the one or more of the sports books. Interactionthrough the central system may allow one or more of the sports books toadjust a risk exposure for one or more sides of one or more wagers. Itshould be recognized that while the example of FIG. 2 includes a centralsystem, some embodiments may not include such a system and/or such asystem may have different functionality. For example, some embodimentsmay include a decentralized system (e.g., a peer to peer system), someembodiments may include a sports book that performs the actions of thecentral system, some embodiments may include a central system thatcontrols the sports books, and/or any other arrangement may be used asdesired in various embodiments.

As illustrated in FIG. 2 , each sports book 203 may include one or morewagering interfaces 205. A wagering interface may allow a bettor toplace a wager on one or more proposition. Each proposition may have oddsassociated therewith (e.g., a money line). A wagering interface mayinclude a kiosk, a computer terminal, a mobile gaming device, a homecomputer, a teller, a gaming table, and so on. At each wageringinterface 205 a bettor may, for example, place a wager, view odds for awager, collect winning from a wager, and so on.

As illustrated in FIG. 2 , each sports book may include one or morecontrollers 207. Controller 207 may include a wagering server configuredto perform any desired actions regarding monitoring, settling,regulation, recording, verifying, and so on regarding wagers. Controller207 may be configured to establish odds, determine which propositionsmay be wagered upon, establish a desired level of risk tolerance for awager, and so on. A controller may take input from an oddsmaker, acasino operator, one or more wagering interfaces 205, and so on (e.g.,through a communication network and/or interface).

A sports book 201 may include a physical location at a casino in whichwagering on sports propositions may be performed. It should berecognized that sports books may not be limited to physical locations.Some embodiments may include virtual sports books such as online sportsbooks, sports books that may be accessed from mobile devices, and so on.In the illustrated example of FIG. 2 , sports books at the top of thefigure may be in one continent and sports books at the bottom of thepage may be in a different continent. It should be recognized that someembodiments may include any number of sports books with anyconfiguration in any location.

Sports books 201 may communicate with one another and/or a centralsystem 203 using a communication network 209. Such communication may becontrolled by respective controllers 207. In a centralized embodiment asin FIG. 2 , such communication may be to and/or from central system 201.In a decentralized embodiment, such communication may be among thevarious sports books 201.

Central system 203 may receive and/or transmit information to and/orfrom sports books 201. Central system 203 may receive information aboutodds for various wagers at each of the sports books 201. Central system203 may determine a consensus odds for such wagers based on the receivedodds. Central system 203 may transmit an indication of the consensusodds to one or more of the sports books 201.

In some embodiments, central system 203 may determine markets in whichone or more sports books compete. Such markets may be physical marketsand/or demographic markets. For example in the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 2 , a market may be a continent so the bottom sports books may formone market and the top sports books may form a second market. A marketmay be a demographic market that may span continents, so a high rollersports book in one continent may form a market with a high roller sportsbook in another continent. In some embodiments, a consensus odds mayreflect a desired market in which a sports book may compete.

Sports books 201 may request such information from central system 203.Central system 203 may provide such information unilaterally, as aservice, in connection with a feed of gaming information and so on.Sports books 201 may be operated by a same owner that may operatecentral system 203. A sports book that receives such consensus oddsinformation may adjust an odds offered for a wager based on theconsensus odds for the wager (e.g., to match the consensus odds). Insome embodiments, a sports book may request and/or receive informationabout odds offered at one or more sports books and determine based onsuch odds how to adjust odds for a wager at the sports book. Some sportsbooks may request that such individualized wager information may not bedisseminated but rather only information in a consensus format bedisseminated.

In some embodiments, a sports book 201 may determine that a level ofrisk associated with a wager is too great at an odds level (e.g., at areceived consensus odds). The sports book may facilitate an exchange ofresponsibility for one or more side of the wager. Central system 203 mayact as an exchange through which the sports book may buy responsibilityfor a first side of a wager and/or sell responsibility for a second sideof a wager to one or more other sports books. Such an exchange mayoperate similar to a financial instrument exchange. Such an exchange mayallow a first sports book to place a bid and/or offer on responsibilityfor a side of a wager. Such an exchange may allow a second sports bookto hit or lift the bid or offer to enter into a transaction in whichresponsibility for a side of a wager is transferred through theexchange. The exchange may perform one or more clearing functionslocally and/or remotely for such a transaction. One example of anexchange-like system for wagers is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,233,922to Asher and entitled System and method for wagering-based transferablefinancial instruments, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example method 300 that may be performed in someembodiments to determine a consensus odds. Such a method may beperformed by a central system 203, by a sports book 201, and/or by anydesired element. Such a consensus odds may be used by one or more sportsbook to determine an odds for a wager so that the sports book's odds arecompetitive with the odds offered by other sports books. Such aconsensus odds may be used by a sports book to determine an odds for awager so that the sports book does not have to otherwise determine oddsfor the wager (e.g., by hiring an oddsmaker). Such a consensus may beused to help establish odds in low liquidity and/or fast paced wagerssuch as in-game wagers described above by increasing the pool of wagersfrom which the odds may be determined. Information about odds from atone sports book may be used at another sports book to adjust odds atthat other sports book to compete with the first sports book as desired.Method 300 may begin at block 301.

As indicated at block 303, some embodiments may include identifying afirst wagering venue at which a wager may be placed. Such a wageringvenue may include a sports book. Identifying may take place at a centralsystem, by the wagering venue, by a computer, and so on. In someembodiments, identifying may take place in response to a request fromthe wagering venue. In some embodiments, identifying may take place inresponse to determining that an odds for the wager is different than aconsensus odds. In some embodiments, identifying may include identifyingall wagering venues at which the wager may be placed. It should berecognized that while a single wager may be referred to in someexamples, some embodiments may include multiple wagers that may besimilar and/or identical. For example, a wager on a basketball team witha first spread may be considered a same wager as a wager on a basketballteam with a different spread. It should be recognized that any variationin a wager from any other wager may still have both wagers considered tobe the same wager as desired for operation of some embodiments. In someembodiments, a wager may have a same or similar underlying proposition(e.g., the field will win, the Bears will win) and/or may have a same ordifferent related criteria (e.g., different spread, different members ofthe field, different levels for an over under bet, and so on). Byallowing such deviation in wagers, a broader sampling of odds forsimilar wagers may be obtained. In some embodiments, wagers may berequired to be identical or nearly identical before they are considereda same wager for purposes of determining a consensus odds. A wager mayinclude an in game wager, a wager on a competition, a wager on a casinogame, and so on.

Some embodiments may include identifying a wager that may be placed atthe first wagering venue. Identifying a wager may include receivinginformation about the wager, such as form a computer system associatedwith the wagering venue, from a camera recording wagering at the firstvenue, and so on.

As indicated at block 305, some embodiments may include receiving aplurality of respective indications, each respective indication mayindicate a respective odds for the wager at a respective one of aplurality of second wagering venues. The second wagering venues mayinclude one or more other sports books. In some embodiments, an oddsform the first wagering venue may also be received. In some embodiments,such indication may identify to a central system or other elementperforming the method what the odds for the wager and/or a similar wagerif desired are at the second wagering venue. In some embodiments, theindication may be a relative indication to a base odds, identifying thatthe odds are higher or lower than a base odds. In some embodiments, theindication may include an indication of a spread, underdog, in-gamepropositions, or other elements of a bet in addition to or as analternative to the odds. Such indications may be received in response toa querying by a central system, periodically, as the odds change at eachvenue, continuously, as a live feed, and so on as desired.

As indicated at block 307, some embodiments may include determining aset of second wagering venues that define a market in which the firstwagering venue competes. In some embodiments, a market may include ageographical market, such as venues in a particular city or block. Insome embodiments, a market may include a demographic market, such asvenues that cater to a particular clientele. A market may include anydesired set of parameters in any specificity. In some embodiments, allof the second wagering venues may be in the market. In one example, somewagering venues that cater to high rollers may form a market with thefirst wagering venue that also caters to high rollers. Wagering venuesmay be located geographically disparate from one another. For example,in some embodiments, one of the second wagering venues in a same marketas the first wagering venue may be located on a different continent. Inanother example, some wagering venues on the strip in Las Vegas may forma market with the first wagering venue that is also on the strip in LasVegas.

As indicated at block 309, some embodiments may include determining aconsensus odds for the wager based on the respective odds for the wagerat each of the second wagering venues of the set of second wageringvenues. Determining a consensus may include performing any desiredmathematical calculation on the received data. The data may include dataregarding odds offered at the first wagering venue in some embodiments.In some embodiment the data may not include information regarding oddsoffered at the first wagering venue. In some embodiments, determining aconsensus may include determining an average, a mean, a median, a mode,a highest, a lowest, and/or applying any desired mathematical formula.Such a determination may be performed periodically, in response toreceiving an updated odds from one or more second venues, in response toa request, and so on.

Some embodiments may include determining a respective effect on themarket for each of the second wagering venues. Such determining mayinclude, for example, receiving an indication of the effect from thefirst wagering venue, receiving a ranking of venues in the market fromthe first wagering venue, calculating similarities based on distance,demographics of clientele and so on. Such a determination may beperformed based on information provided by one or more wagering venuesand/or information collected otherwise.

In some embodiments, determining a consensus may include determining aconsensus based on such effects. For example, such effects may be usedas weights in a formula for determining a consensus such that venuesthat have a larger effect on the market are weighed more than venuesthat have a smaller effect on the market. Some embodiments may includedetermining the consensus odds such that each of the respective odds forthe wager at each of the second wagering venues of the set has an impacton the consensus odds that is proportional to the respective effect ofthe respective one of the second wagering venues on the market.

In some embodiments, a consensus regarding other elements of a wager mayalso be determined. For example, a consensus regarding a spread may bedetermined, a consensus regarding members of a field may be determined,a consensus regarding a level for an over under bet may be determined,and so on). In some embodiments, determining a consensus may includeweighting wagers based on similarity to a desired wager such that wagersthat are the same or very similar are weight more in a calculation thanwagers that are less similar.

As indicated at block 311, some embodiments may include transmitting anindication of the consensus odds to the first wagering venue. Theindication may be transmitted from a central system or any desiredcomputing device to a sports book in some embodiments. The indicationmay be transmitted in response to a request, in response to making adetermination of the consensus, periodically, and so on.

In some embodiments, method 300 may include offering the wager. Such anoffer may be made from the first wagering venue, from any system thatdetermines the consensus odds, through an online system, and so on. Thewager may be offered based on the consensus odds and/or any otherinformation such as information regarding odds at individual venues. Insome embodiments the wager may be offered with the consensus odds.

It should be recognized that while various examples are given in termsof a consensus odds, that some embodiments may include determining anyconsensus regarding any element of any possible wager. It should berecognized that while a consensus may be transmitted in someembodiments, alternatively and/or additionally, individual informationabout odds or other elements of a wager at individual venues may also betransmitted. Such information may be used by a receiving venue foradvertising and/or informational purposes. In some embodiments,receiving such information and/or keeping such information from beingtransmitted may be a premium service. Such information may betransmitted upon request, periodically, in response to an action, and soon.

Some embodiments may include gathering any types of information aboutany number of wager opportunities in any number of wagering venues. Someembodiments may include distributing any information about collectedinformation about wagers to any destination. Such information mayinclude the information collected and/or any transformation on one ormore pieces of such information. Such distribution may be performed as aservice to wagering venues or individuals. Such distribution may beperformed through a website. Such distribution may be performed for afee from the destination.

Method 300 may end at block 313. It should be recognized that method 300is given as an example only and that any alternative methods with more,fewer, alternative, differently ordered, and so on actions may beperformed in some embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example method 400 that may be performed in someembodiments to adjust a responsibility for a wager by a sports book.Such a method may be performed by a central system 203, by a sports book201, and/or by any desired element. Such an adjustment ofresponsibilities may be used to keep risk at a desired level, forexample, so that a sports book may offer competitive odds based on aconsensus odds for a wager without risking a giant loss of money.Responsibility for one side of a wager may be traded for money,responsibility for another side of a wager, and so on. Responsibilityfor a wager may be traded form one wagering venue to another and/orfrom/to any desired sour or destination. Method 400 may begin at block401.

Responsibility for a side of a wager may include the right to take legalownership of money or other valuables based on a loss of the side of thewager. Responsibility for a side of a wager may include the obligationto make a payment based on a win of the side of the wager.

As indicated at block 403, some embodiments may include identifying adesired odds for a two sided wager proposition. A two sided wagerproposition may include an outcome of a competition, such as who willwin a game of baseball, an in game wager, and so on. Some embodimentsmay include a wager with any number of sides. Identifying the desiredodds may include selecting the odds, receiving an indication of theodds, determining the odds, and so on. The odds may include an oddsbased on odds offered by one or more wagering venues, such as consensusodds described above. Some embodiments may include determining consensusodds such as by method 300.

As indicated at block 405, some embodiments, may include determining anamount of money wagered on each side of the two sided wager propositionfor which a first wagering venue is responsible. Such determination mayinclude receiving information form one or more wagering interface, fromone or more wagering venues, and so on. Such a determination may includesumming together an amount of money that a wagering venue may beresponsible for if a respective outcome of the wager occurs. Such adetermination may include summing together an amount of money that awagering venue may take ownership of if a respective outcome of thewager occurs.

As indicated at block 407, some embodiments may include determining alevel of risk exposure to the first wagering venue for a first side ofthe two sided wager proposition based on the amount of money wagered onthe first side. Such a level of risk exposure may take any form. In oneexample, such a level of risk exposure may include an amount of moneythat the wagering venue may be obligated to pay out. In some embodimentssuch a determination may include no additional action that the actionsof block 405. Some embodiments may include reading from a database afterperforming block 405. Some embodiments may include performing one ormore calculations on the results of block 405. Some embodiments mayinclude determining a first amount of money that the first wageringvenue may be responsible for paying out if the first side of the wagerwins based on the amount of money wagered on the first side.

As indicated at block 409, some embodiments may include determining anoffsetting level of risk exposure to the first wagering venue for thefirst side of the two sided wager proposition based on the amount ofmoney wagered on the second side. Such a level of risk exposure may takeany form. In one example, such a level of risk exposure may include anamount of money that the wagering venue may be take ownership of. Insome embodiments such a determination may include no additional actionthat the actions of block 405. Some embodiments may include reading froma database after performing block 405. Some embodiments may includeperforming one or more calculations on the results of block 405. Someembodiments may include determining a second amount of money that thefirst wagering venue may take ownership of if the second side of thewager wins based on the amount of money wagered on the first side.

As indicated at block 411, some embodiments may include determining thata total level of risk exposure to the first wagering venue based on thelevel of risk exposure and the offsetting level of risk exposure is toolarge at the desired odds. Determining the total level of risk exposuremay include performing one or more mathematical calculations on thelevel of risk exposure and the offsetting level of risk exposure. Insome embodiments such a calculation may include subtracting theoffsetting risk exposure from the risk exposure. In some embodimentsdetermining that the level is too large at the desired odds may includedetermining that the level is above a certain threshold. In someembodiments, the threshold may be based on expected future wagers at thedesired odds. In some embodiments, the threshold may be based on otherwagers placed at the wagering venue. In some embodiments, for example,if a wagering venue has a total risk above 1 million dollars on acertain side of a wager, the wagering venue may determine thatcontinuing to offer the side of the wager at the odds may result in toomuch risk for the wagering venue. It should be recognized that anymethod of determining that a level of risk is too large at a given oddsfor a wager may be used in various embodiments. Some embodiments mayinclude determining a total amount of money that the first wageringvenue risks based on the first amount of money and the second amount ofmoney. Some embodiments may include determining that the total amount ofmoney is too large at the desired odds.

As indicated at block 413, some embodiments may include facilitating atransaction with a second wagering venue to adjust the amount of moneywagered on at least one of the first side and the second side for whichthe first wagering venue is responsible. In some embodiments, suchfacilitating may take place in response to determining that the totallevel of risk exposure is too large. In some embodiments, suchfacilitating may include trading responsibility for one or more wagerson an exchange. Such responsibility may be traded with one or more otherwagering venues and/or any other desired entity. For example, in someembodiments, a buy or sell order for responsibility on a side of a wagermay be submitted to an exchange. The exchange may match buyers andsellers and perform any functions to bring about an exchange ofresponsibility. Such a transaction may allow the wagering venue toreadjust its risk level so that it may offer the wager at the desiredodds.

In some embodiments, such facilitating may include placing at least oneof an order to buy responsibility for wagers on the second side on awager exchange and an order to sell responsibility for wagers on thefirst side on the wager exchange. It should be recognized that anymethod of performing such trading on with any system or method forexchanging may be used. In some embodiments, blocks of wagers may betraded. In some embodiments individual wagers may be traded. In someembodiments portions of wagers may be traded. In some embodiments,auctions for wagers may be held. In some embodiments bids and offers andhits and takes similar to a stock exchange may be used. In someembodiments, dark pools trading systems may be used. In someembodiments, time in force, execute or cancel, stop loss, and or anyother desired orders may be used.

In some embodiments, a first wagering venue may pay another wageringvenue or be paid by another wagering venue to take responsibility for awager. The amount paid may be determined through a bidding process,through a reverse auction, through an exchange based system, and so on.In some embodiments, if a first wagering venue offers makes such anoffer through an exchange, a portion of the offer may be filled by oneor more second wagering venues. For example each of ten second wageringvenues may agree to take responsibility for respective ten percents ofthe wager. In some embodiments, if an exchange determines that multiplewagering venues are interested in an offer regarding a change ofresponsibility for a wager, the exchange may use a first in first outmethod of determining matching desires, a pro rata method of fillingmatching desires, and so on. A matching engine may be used by anexchange to determine that desires match for an exchange.

Some embodiments may include offering the wager at the desired odds. Forexample a wagering venue that performs the method 400 may then offer thewager after reaching a level of acceptable risk at the odds.

It should be recognized that while various examples are given in termsof a desired odds, that some embodiments may include determining anydesire regarding any element of any possible wager. It should berecognized that while a consensus may be used in some embodiments, insome embodiments, individual information from one or more wageringvenues may be used.

Method 400 may end at block 415. It should be recognized that method 400is given as an example only and that any alternative methods with more,fewer, alternative, differently ordered, and so on actions may beperformed in some embodiments.

It should be recognized that while some examples are given in terms of asports book, various embodiments may include any desired wagering venue,such as, for example, a remote computer terminal, a mobile gamingdevice, a casino table, any area of a casino, and so on. It should berecognized that while various example systems are shown and describedhaving certain elements, that in various embodiments, any system withany elements having any functionality may be used. It should berecognized that while various examples of methods having example actsare described that various embodiments may include any method having anyacts in any order.

XVIII. Further Embodiments

A. An apparatus comprising:

-   -   a processor; and    -   a machine-readable medium having stored thereon a set of        instructions, which when executed by the processor, cause the        apparatus to perform a method comprising:    -   identifying a wager that may be placed at a first wagering        venue;    -   receiving a plurality of respective indications, in which each        respective indication indicates a respective odds for the wager        at a respective one of a plurality of second wagering venues;    -   for each of the second wagering venues, determining a respective        effect on a market in which the first wagering venue competes;    -   determining a consensus odds includes based on the respective        odds for the wager at each of the second wagering venues such        that each of the respective odds has an impact on the consensus        odds that is proportional to the respective effect of the        respective one of the second wagering venues on the market    -   transmitting an indication of the consensus odds to the first        wagering venue.

B. An apparatus comprising:

-   -   a processor; and    -   a machine-readable medium having stored thereon a set of        instructions, which when executed by the processor, cause the        apparatus to perform a method comprising:    -   identifying a first wagering venue at which a wager may be        placed;    -   receiving a plurality of respective indications, in which each        respective indication indicates a respective odds for the wager        at a respective one of a plurality of second wagering venues;    -   determining a set of second wagering venues that define a market        in which the first wagering venue competes;    -   determining a consensus odds for the wager based on the        respective odds for the wager at each of the second wagering        venues of the set of second wagering venues; and    -   transmitting an indication of the consensus odds to the first        wagering venue.    -   B.1. The apparatus of claim B, in which each wagering venue        includes a sports book.    -   B.2. The apparatus of claim B, in which the wager includes an        in-game wager.    -   B.3. The apparatus of claim B, in which the wager includes a        wager on a competition.    -   B.4. The apparatus of claim B, in which the market includes a        geographic market.    -   B.5. The apparatus of claim B, in which the market includes a        demographic market.    -   B.6. The apparatus of claim B, in which the set of second        wagering venues includes at least one wagering venue located on        a different continent than the first wagering venue.    -   B.7. The apparatus of claim B, in which the method further        comprises receiving an indication of an odds for the wager at        the first wagering venue and in which the consensus odds are        also based on the odds for the wager at the first wagering        venue.    -   B.8. The apparatus of claim B, in which the consensus odds        includes at least one of a median odds, a mean odds, a mode        odds, a lowest odds, a highest odds, and an odds based on a        mathematical formula.    -   B.9. The apparatus of claim B, in which the method further        comprises offering the wager from the first wagering venue with        the consensus odds.    -   B.10. The apparatus of claim B, in which the method further        comprises:    -   for each of the set of second wagering venues, determining a        respective effect on the market; and    -   in which determining the consensus odds includes determining the        consensus odds such that each of the respective odds for the        wager at each of the second wagering venues of the set has an        impact on the consensus odds that is proportional to the        respective effect of the respective one of the second wagering        venues on the market.

C. An apparatus comprising:

-   -   a processor; and    -   a machine-readable medium having stored thereon a set of        instructions, which when executed by the processor, cause the        apparatus to perform a method comprising:    -   determining an amount of money wagered on each side of the two        sided wager proposition for which a first wagering venue is        responsible;    -   determining a first amount of money that the first wagering        venue may be responsible for paying out if the first side of the        wager wins based on the amount of money wagered on the first        side;    -   determining a second amount of money that the first wagering        venue may take ownership of if the second side of the wager wins        based on the amount of money wagered on the first side;    -   determining a total amount of money that the first wagering        venue risks based on the first amount of money and the second        amount of money;    -   identifying a consensus odds for the wager based on odds for the        wager at a plurality of second wagering venues and an effect        that each of the second wagering venues has on a market in which        the first wagering venue competes;    -   determining that the total amount of money is too large at the        consensus odds;    -   in response to determining that the total amount of money is too        large, placing at least one of an order to buy responsibility        for wagers on the second side on a wager exchange and an order        to sell responsibility for wagers on the first side on the wager        exchange.

D. An apparatus comprising:

-   -   a processor; and    -   a machine-readable medium having stored thereon a set of        instructions, which when executed by the processor, cause the        apparatus to perform a method comprising:    -   identifying a desired odds for a two sided wager proposition;    -   determining an amount of money wagered on each side of the two        sided wager proposition for which a first wagering venue is        responsible;    -   determining a level of risk exposure to the first wagering venue        for a first side of the two sided wager proposition based on the        amount of money wagered on the first side;    -   determining an offsetting level of risk exposure to the first        wagering venue for the first side of the two sided wager        proposition based on the amount of money wagered on the second        side;    -   determining that a total level of risk exposure to the first        wagering venue based on the level of risk exposure and the        offsetting level of risk exposure is too large at the desired        odds;    -   in response to determining that the total level of risk exposure        is too large, facilitating a transaction with a second wagering        venue to adjust the amount of money wagered on at least one of        the first side and the second side for which the first wagering        venue is responsible.    -   D.1. The apparatus of claim D, in which each wagering venue        includes a sports book.    -   D.2. The apparatus of claim D, in which the wager includes an        in-game wager.    -   D.3. The apparatus of claim D, in which the wager includes a        wager on a competition.    -   D.3.1. The apparatus of claim D.3, in which the first side of        the wager includes a wager that a first sports team will win a        particular game and the second side of the wager includes a        wager that a second sports team will win the particular game.    -   D.4. The apparatus of claim D, in which the level of risk        exposure includes an amount of money that the first wagering        venue may be responsible for paying out if the first side of the        wager wins, in which the level of offsetting risk exposure        includes an amount of money that the first wagering venue may        take ownership of if the second side of the wager wins, and in        which the total level of risk exposure includes the level of        risk exposure minus the offsetting level of risk exposure.    -   D.5. The apparatus of claim D, in which the total level of risk        exposure is too large if the total level of risk exposure is        above a certain threshold dollar amount.    -   D.6. The apparatus of claim D, in which identifying the desired        odds includes determining a consensus odds based on odds for the        wager at a plurality of third wagering venues.    -   D.6.1. The apparatus of claim D.6, in which the method further        comprises:    -   receiving a plurality of respective indications, in which each        respective indication indicates a respective odds for the wager        at a respective one of the plurality of third wagering venues;    -   for each of the third wagering venues, determining a respective        effect on a market in which the first wagering venue competes;        and    -   in which determining the consensus odds includes determining the        consensus odds such that each of the respective odds for the        wager at each of the third wagering venues has an impact on the        consensus odds that is proportional to the respective effect of        the respective one of the third wagering venues on the market.    -   D.7. The apparatus of claim D, in which facilitating the        transaction includes placing at least one of an order to buy        responsibility for wagers on the second side and an order to        sell responsibility for wagers on the first side on a wager        exchange.    -   D.8. The apparatus of claim D, in which the method further        compromises offering the wager from the first wagering venue        with the desired odds.

1. An apparatus comprising: a processor; and a machine-readable mediumhaving stored thereon a set of instructions, which when executed by theprocessor, cause the apparatus to perform a method comprising:identifying a wager that may be placed at a first wagering venue;receiving a plurality of respective indications, in which eachrespective indication indicates a respective odds for the wager at arespective one of a plurality of second wagering venues; for each of thesecond wagering venues, determining a respective effect on a market inwhich the first wagering venue competes; determining a consensus oddsincludes based on the respective odds for the wager at each of thesecond wagering venues such that each of the respective odds has animpact on the consensus odds that is proportional to the respectiveeffect of the respective one of the second wagering venues on the markettransmitting an indication of the consensus odds to the first wageringvenue.